Jinglebob's

I can’t remember who first introduced us to Jinglebob’s Vintques, but whoever it was, I’d like to shake  her hand. And buy her a drink. And maybe a really nice car too.

Jinglebob’s was top on our list when Meghan and Taite came to visit the other week, Meghan was looking for pencil skirts, Taite just wanted something that would fit (she’s in that pesky in between size- not a kid, but not grown up yet either), and I wanted some colorful things for summer. All of us came away with a hefty addition to our wardrobes, and I’m not going to name numbers here, but you might drool on your computer a bit if you knew how little we spent. Jinglebob’s really is the best bargain I’ve ever found in vintage fashion. Clothing of less quality will sell for twice the price in Seattle.

Now, you do have to get over the idea that someone else once wore these things, but let me quote this wonder of a book “The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping” on the subject of old clothing:

( This book is a ton of fun, my mom gave it to me in my stocking last Christmas and of course you kind find it online, here)

“[Modern] Manufacturers also increasingly rely on spandex-infused fabrics to eliminate the need for a range of sizes, opting instead for the catchall S-M-L. But unless you have a perfect body, stretch alone will never replace a decent fit. Without proper proportions and well-placed seams, shoulders will strain or droop, necklines will gape, waist and bust-lines will ride up or fall down. Vintage clothing by contrast was made in all kind of sizes for the mature figure. With such a range, you’re bound to find nice-fitting clothing in vintage.”

I’ve really found this to be true and because of the superior quality, I’m amazed at what good condition the clothing is in even if it’s 60 or 70 years old. Besides that, there is something pretty wonderful about knowing no one else will be wearing that delicate 1950′s sun dress this summer but you. Even if you decide the Rothschild sorbet orange wool coat really isn’t you after all, you can usually re-sell things easily at stores or online. After one winter in said coat I re-sold it to a vintage store in Seattle for almost what I bought it for.

If you love finding designer pieces and high end vintage fashion,  here’s a great resource for researching brands and the history of different labels. The Vintage Fashion Guild online.

The shop owner is your best friend, ask her for help and you won't be disappointed. She has an incredible eye for what will look good on you.

Half the fun is poking though all the clothes that she has. Some things are hillariously funny and worth trying on even if you'd never buy them. You might even be suprised.

It's not just clothing she has but also vintage purses, books, hats, decore and even this darling swim cap. (I wanted to buy it as a hat but couldn't hear a blasted thing with the rubber over my ears!)

Perfect for a wedding I think.

The details on some of the vintage dresses is just beautiful.

Meghan desperately wanted this little '50's housewife dress to fit, but alas, both our ribcages were just too big.

The dress had embroidered roses all along the bottom. Really, it was quite adorable.

Are you a vintage junkie or an energetic novice to old clothing shopping? We want to hear about your shops for finding the best out there! (That is of course, if you are willing to share your secrets. . . . ) East coast or west, tell us about your favorites!